Why this model wants her daughter to embrace natural beauty

She’s one of the most successful Australian models working in the world today and counts Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs and Victoria’s Secret as some of the many huge brands she’s worked with in her career so far.

However, for the Sydney-born mum-of-one, when it comes to the beauty lessons she’ll be passing on to her five year old daughter Lila, it will all be about self-acceptance and natural beauty.

“In an age where young girls are transforming their look and hiding their natural beauty, I want my daughter to embrace her natural features and not hide behind heavy makeup [when she’s older],” said Elyse, while she was in Australia to celebrate the 10th birthday of Australian natural beauty brand Nude by Nature, for which she is an ambassador.

“Just to be herself and only use makeup to enhance your natural features!”

Victoria’s Secret model Elyse, who regularly jets between Australia and her home in New York, says that she herself likes to keep her makeup to a minimum when she’s not working, and flare ups on her skin are her biggest insecurity when it comes to being on set.

“If I’m breaking out on set, breakouts can always make you feel a little insecure. A great way for me to combat this is to ensure I’m always using makeup and products that are natural and good for me and my skin.”

Elyse says that when she does wear make-up, it’s important to her to know exactly what she’s layering onto her skin, “I love that Nude by Nature is a 100% cruelty-free brand, free of parabens and synthetics - which for me as a mother is something to be really proud to be part of and pass onto my daughter.”

When it comes to feeling confident and happy, Elyse says that the most important thing for her is, “to feel strong.”

“I am very active, I love to workout, it clears my mind. It’s important for me to have the energy to keep up with my daughter plus work and travel.”

Her secret to staying in shape? Mixing up her workouts and trying to incorporate physical activity into her time off.

“I love to do recreational activities to keep fit such as, rock climbing, swimming etc. If I’m at a gym, I will do roughly 90 minutes of ab, leg and bum work as well as cardio,” Elyse revealed to body+soul.